Dr. James Allen Guess is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in treating various medical conditions of the spine. He also has expertise in performing minimally invasive surgery for spinal and neck problems.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is a technique that uses the most advanced technology to treat various injuries or degenerative conditions of the spine. As the procedure involves the use of highly specialized tools and computer aided technology, it is a preferred option for people who want smaller incisions, less post-surgical pain as well as shorter recovery time.

Main Goals Of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Stabilization: Sometimes, an abnormality in the spinal anatomy can lead to pain and in such cases the patient may be required to undergo a stabilizing surgery. Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Surgery fuses together the tender vertebrae to restore them together into a single bone.

Decompression: This is done to relieve the pressure off the nerve roots or spinal cord. Stiffened joints, collapsed or protruding discs, bony growths and loosened ligaments can narrow the nerve openings in the spine which puts pressure on the spine resulting in intense back pain and pinched nerves. Spinal Decompression is aimed at reducing this pressure and relieving the patient of the pain.

Conditions Treated With Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Herniated discs

Scoliosis

Spinal Injuries and Fractures

Degenerative disc disease

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Tumors

Spinal deformities

Thoracic and lumbar spine conditions

The Procedure

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery involves making small incisions in the body. The surgeon makes use of instruments, such as an endoscope or fluoroscope, which are inserted through the incisions. These instruments are a thin, long tube that has a small camera attached towards the end. This enables the surgeon to have an inner view of the spine anatomy and diagnose the root cause of the problem. After that, minute surgical instruments are inserted in the back to treat the affected areas. Once the surgery has been completed, the incision is secured with sutures and closed with a surgical tape.

After The Surgery

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means that the patient can return home a few hours after the surgery. However, depending upon the patient’s condition or the extent of the damage to the spine, the orthopedic surgeon may recommend him/her to stay in the hospital for a few days. As the procedure involves smaller incisions and less tissue disruption, recovery time is much easier and quicker. However, the patient must take some necessary precautions in order to avoid any complications:

Avoid sitting in upright position for a few weeks. This can put pressure on your spine.

If you’ve had cervical spine surgery, make sure you wear a cervical collar as prescribed by the surgeon.

Do not bend, twist or lift heavy things until specified by the spine doctor.

After a few weeks, you can begin doing light exercises but under strict supervision of a professional physical therapist.

Advantages Of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Smaller incisions in the surgery

Reduced loss of blood

Shorter recovery time

Less damage to soft tissue

Improved function

Less disruption of muscles

Less scarring

Less pain

Shorter or no hospital stay required

Decreased use of anti-inflammatory medicines

To know more about the procedure and benefits of minimally invasive spinal surgery, visit Dr. Guess. To schedule an appointment with the spine specialist, call at (972) 492 - 1334.